beret
UK[ˈbereɪ]US[bəˈreɪ]
n
A round, flat cap of soft, felted material, typically without a brim.
Etymology
The beret's name traces a journey from the practical garments of ancient Europe to a symbol of artistic and military identity. It originates from the Late Latin 'birrus', a hooded cloak worn for protection from the weather, a term itself likely borrowed from the Celtic languages spoken in Gaul. Through the regional Occitan language of southern France, 'birrus' evolved into 'berret', denoting a simple, round cap. Adopted into French and then English, 'beret' retained its core meaning while accruing cultural associations, from the French artist to the elite soldier, all stemming from its humble, functional beginnings as a head-covering derived from a cloak.
Analysis
The word 'beret' is a loanword from French, itself derived from the Occitan (a Romance language of southern France) word 'berret', meaning 'cap'. The ultimate origin is the Late Latin 'birrus', a type of hooded cloak, which is likely of Celtic origin.
Examples
The painter wore a black beret as he worked at his easel.
The green beret is a distinctive symbol of certain special forces units.
She pulled her beret down over her ears to shield them from the chilly wind.